American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

In what year did the Homestead Act open lands of the Public Domain to settlers?

1. 1852

2. 1862

3. 1872

4. 1882

The correct answer is: 1862

The Homestead Act, which was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln, took effect in 1862 and was a significant piece of legislation encouraging westward expansion in the United States. This act provided a method for individuals to acquire ownership of government land, granting 160 acres to any adult citizen or intended citizen who paid a small filing fee, lived on the land for five years, and improved it by building a dwelling and cultivating crops. The intent of the Homestead Act was to promote settlement in the western territories and to support a growing agricultural economy. Following its passage, the act played a crucial role in shaping the American landscape and attracting millions of settlers to the west, contributing significantly to the development of the nation's infrastructure and agricultural base. Identifying the correct year is important in understanding the context of U.S. history during the mid-19th century, especially regarding land policies and the expansionist spirit of the time.